CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) — Live Chart
VIX Today — Current Level & Fear Gauge
What today's level means →· source: Cboe, 15-min delayed
The VIX is at 15.27, in the calm zone and up 2.9% on the prior session. That is higher than 34% of daily closes since 1990, and implies a typical S&P 500 move of about ±1.0% a day or ±4.4% over the next month.
- Day range
- 15.26 – 15.44
- 52-week range
- 13.38 – 35.30
- 1-year average
- 17.99
- Percentile since 1990
- 34th
| Date | Close | Change | Fear level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2026 (intraday) | 15.27 | +0.43 | Calm |
| Oct 9, 2026 | 14.84 | −0.57 | Calm |
| Oct 8, 2026 | 15.41 | +0.33 | Calm |
| Oct 7, 2026 | 15.08 | +0.07 | Calm |
| Oct 6, 2026 | 15.01 | −0.51 | Calm |
| Oct 5, 2026 | 15.52 | +0.21 | Calm |
| Oct 2, 2026 | 15.31 | −1.08 | Calm |
| Oct 1, 2026 | 16.39 | +0.05 | Calm |
| Sep 30, 2026 | 16.34 | +0.30 | Calm |
| Sep 29, 2026 | 16.04 | −0.03 | Calm |
VIX ETFs & ETNs
VIX Futures & Term Structure
Full VIX futures page →VIX Futures Term Structure
What is VIX?
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) measures 30-day expected volatility of the S&P 500. Known as the "fear gauge," it rises during market uncertainty and falls during calm periods. Track VIX in real-time for market sentiment insights.
VIX Trading Levels
VIX below 20 indicates low volatility and market confidence. Levels 20-30 suggest moderate uncertainty. Above 30 signals high fear, while extreme spikes above 40 occur during market crises. See what the VIX level today means for the full fear scale.
VIX ETFs & Futures
Gain exposure to volatility through VIX futures and ETFs such as VXX, UVXY (leveraged long), and SVXY (inverse). These products track VIX futures rather than spot VIX, which produces contango decay over time — best suited to short-duration positioning rather than long-term holding. See our VIX ETF guide.
VIX Index Today — Common Questions
What is the VIX today?
The current reading, its change on the day and its fear zone are in the VIX Today panel above, refreshed from Cboe data each session, while the live chart streams intraday moves. Below 20 is calm, 20–30 is elevated, and above 30 signals high fear.
What is a normal VIX level?
Since 1990 the VIX has averaged around 19 and its median close is about 17.5. Roughly half of all trading days close between 12 and 20, and fewer than one day in ten closes above 30. See the full VIX historical data.
What does it mean when the VIX goes up?
A rising VIX means SPX option prices are climbing because traders are paying more for protection. It usually happens when the S&P 500 is falling (see both charts side by side), and it signals larger daily swings are expected over the next 30 days.
How do I turn the VIX into an expected S&P 500 move?
Divide the VIX by about 16 for the expected one-day move in percent, or by about 3.5 for a one-month move. A VIX of 16 implies a typical daily S&P 500 move of about 1%. Try the expected move calculator.
New to the VIX? Start Here
Fundamentals
What is the VIX? · VIX level today · How it's calculated · VIX history · VIX historical data
Products
VIX futures (live) · Futures guide · VIX options · VIX ETFs & ETNs
Analysis
Term structure · VIX vs S&P 500 chart · VIX-SPX correlation · Case studies · Expected move calculator
Reference
FAQ · Glossary · Cheatsheet · Blog
Home page last reviewed on 2026-09-26. Live charts stream from TradingView; the VIX today panel uses Cboe data.